The New Opportunity to Optimize Contact

Without doubt, the effects of the pandemic have been catastrophic for our society. We have all lost loved ones, jobs, opportunities, and assets. It will take years, if ever, to get back everything we have lost. Nevertheless, this terrible situation taught us some important lessons. There are two in particular I would like to point out, that are opposites, but complement each other: first, the value of being in direct contact; second, the new ways we can be in contact, even at a distance. 

As an entrepreneur and educator, I learned to value the privilege of being in direct contact with my clients and students. We very often fail to appreciate simple things, because we take them for granted. But practicing my profession, going to the plants every day to solve problems with my clients or to the classroom to share experiences with an enthusiastic class, is precious. I also realized that being able to go for a walk with your family or visit your friends is precious ... and that absolutely nothing can replace direct contact, the power of a sincere hug or handshake.   

On the other hand, I learned new ways of being in contact. I had the opportunity (or necessity) to give a course for a client with participants in America, Europe and Asia, and, by taking advantage of digital resources, we even carried out manufacturing and assembly exercises through avatars. Just a few years ago, I would never have imagined that something like this could work. I also had videoconferences with colleagues, friends and family I had not seen for ages, owing to distances or schedules.  

Sooner or later, this pandemic will come to an end, but not taking advantage of everything we have learned to make different decisions is something we cannot allow to happen. At the very least, we should take advantage of what we have learned in order to optimize contact.  

Optimizing contact will now be a decision that has to be made frequently: Do we need to have this meeting in person, or can we make it virtual? Is travelling and attending this seminar for networking worthwhile or can we just participate online? What is the added value for my class in having the students here rather than at home, closer to their family? Do we all need to be in the office? If we are going to be present in person, we have to make the most of it. If direct contact is not absolutely necessary, let's respect other people’s time and take advantage of digital resources.

Our time is a non-renewable resource. Direct contact requires investing more time. If after this pandemic we learn to optimize contact, we will have learned a very valuable lesson, and will attach more importance to the value of direct contact and capitalize on digital media to enjoy more free time and spend it with our family, friends and doing whatever makes us happy.   

Finally, I would like to share what Diamandis (2021) wrote in a recent PHD Ventures bulletin: “We are about to massively increase the amount of human genius,” since we will be able to identify and connect “geniuses that already exist, but lack access to the right tools ...” Diamandis also explained that “nothing is more important to a company, nation or individual than intelligence. It is the fundamental key to problem solving and wealth creation, and underpins the human capital that drives organizations and nations forward.”

This week, without leaving my home, I had an intense work session with colleagues in California and Ecuador, I solved key strategy problems together with my business partners virtually, and worked remotely with my students on applying knowledge to different challenges. All of this enabled me to appreciate what increasing the amount of human genius means and the impact that remote connections can have on the future of our society. Moreover, since the commute to the dining room is minimal, I was also able to finish work early, have dinner with my family, and watch the television with my wife, happily capitalizing on direct contact.

References: 

Diamandis, P. (2021) "Human Capital Abundance", PHD Ventures. Bulletin sent out by email on April 11, 2021. 

Originally published in Dinero en Imagen.